Because America is a majority Christian country, when we think of "baptisms," our minds are usually drawn to the Christian tradition involving being dunked in water. Here in Senegal, a primarily Muslim country, baptisms are for babies, and they don't have anything to do with water.
I learned about the traditional naming ceremony for children from my landlady, who invited me to a Baptéme after her grandaughter was born. The event includes lots of dancing, eating, and exchanging gifts. Everyone who attends wears their nicest clotes.
The purpose of this tradition is to give a newborn child its name. The naming happens in the presence of a marabout (a Muslim religious leader). This is the child's introduction to its familial and religious community.
The tradition is very much connected to Senegal being a primarily Muslim country, as babies are considered Muslim from birth. It is also noteworthy that most Baptémes feature Ceebu Jen as the main dish, the national dish of Senegal.
